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SERMON, 




PREACHED AT THE 



ORDINATION, 



OF THE 



REVEREND WILLIAM L. STRONG, 



TO THE PASTORAL CARE OF THE CHURCH IN 



SOMERS, 

APRIL 3d, 1805. 



BY JOSEPH W. "GROSSMAN, A. M. 

Pastor of the Church in Salisbury. 






^» 'i *'■ TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 

xiiE CHARGE, AND RIGHT HAND OF 



FELLOWSHIP. 



,.^^*Rvi^ 






HARTFORD: 

PRINTED BY HUDSON AND GOODWIll^f^ 



ieo5. 



N^ 






AN ORDINATION SERMON. 



MALACHI 11. 7. 

" For he is the Mejfengcr of the Lord of Hofls^* 

W HEN man had finned and could expe£t noth- 
ing but the full punifliment that the law threatened, 
God revealed his plan of mercy. To difplay his glory 
before all worlds, he condefcended to treat with apof- 
tate men, and ufe means to bring him to an honorable 
reconciliation. This great and benevolent work he has 
carried on in every age of the world ; and to efFed: 
it hath fent his meflengers to mankind. He fent Enoch 
and Noah before the flood ; Abraham and Lot before 
the bondage in Egypt ; Mofes, Jofhua, Samuel, Da- 
vid, Jeremiah, Daniel and others before, and during 
the Babylonian captivity ; Jonah, and other prophets 
after this event ; John the baptift, before the coming 
of our Lord ; afterwards the twelve ; then the feventy, 
and a fucceflion of faithful apoftles and preachers of 
the truth. Thefe have been living witnefles of the 
mercy and long fuffering of God towards fmners, and 
that he has ever been willing they fhould come to the 
knowledge of the truth and be faved. 

BlefTed be God that his purpofes are the fame in all 
generations ; that the news of his readinefs to fave fin- 
ners has reached thefe ends of the earth ; that his peo- 
ple, from the mouths of his meflengers, may hear the 
unfearchable riches of his grace ; that they may lift 
up their voices and fay, " How beautiful upon the 



•4 ORDINATION SERMON. 

mountains, are the feet of him that bringeth good ti- 
dings, that publifheth peace, that bringeth good tidings 
of good, that publifheth falvation, that faith unto 
Zion, Thy God reigneth/' 

The folemn and joyful occafion on which we have 
met, bears teftimony that " God is, through Chrift, 
reconciling the world to himfelf." In teftimony of 
this, behold his meiTengers ! Behold a youth, ready 
to be induded into the minifterial office, and to ftand 
before this people, the meffenger of the Lord of hofts ! 

Let the prefent occafion be improved by a careful 
and devout attention to the following things. 

I. It is propofed to give the character of the meiTen- 
gers of the Lord of hofts. 

II. To ftiow God*s defign in fending them. 

III. How they are bound to treat thofe to whom he 
fends them. 

L It is propofed to give the charader of the meffen- 
gers of the Lord of hofts. 

Their character will be confidered under two general 
heads. 

I. They are men of religion, 

By religion is meant, not only that outward condu6l 
which appears in fome degree agreeable to the require- 
ments of God 5 but a holy principle of heart, which 
gives rife to, and fandifies all outward adions. This 
is, in fubftance, the religion of the meflengers of the 
Lord of hofts. 

By fearching the hiftory of the church, we find the 
meflengers of God have fuftained this character. God 
hath had fpecial regard to the moral characters of his 
meflengers, and hath, uniformly, fent thofe to teach 
his people, who have been friendly to the interefts of 
his kingdom. 

Enoch walked with God, By this, we may under- 



OilDINATION SERMON. 5 

fland that his affeclions were on God, and that he 
forfook the wickednefs of the world, and feared and 
obeyed him. And fuch was his intereil in the divine 
favor, that he did not die like other men, but God 
took him to himfelf, tranflated him from this world to 
his immediate prefence, from the fin and trouble of 
life, to the gloiy and happinefs of heaven. 

Noah was the only man among all the race that ex- 
ifled immediately before the flood, who found grace in 
the fight of God. His faith led him to lift up his 
voice againft the wickednefs of the age, and to build an 
ark to the faving of his foul. 

God called Abraham, entered into covenant with 
him, promifed to be a God to him, and to his feed 
after him, had the mofl indubitable evidence of his 
felf denial, obedience and faith ; and declared that he 
knew he would fear him, and order his houfe before 
him. 

Mofes was meek above all the men that were upon 
the earth. 

Job was a perfe(El and upright man, one that feared 
God, and efchewed evil, one that profited in the fchool 
of adverfity, and could rejoice in tribulation. 

Samuel was called, while a child, to minifler before 
the Lord 5 and he grew, and the Lord was with him. 

David was a man of humility, penitence, and prayer, 
one that rejoiced in the character, law, and worfhip of 
God. 

Jeremiah was fan^lified before his birth, and or- 
dained to be a prophet unto the nations. 

John the baptift gave evidence of his felf-denial, and 
devotednefs to the caufe of his Lord and Redeemer. 

Thofe w^hom Chrift called, and commillioned to go 
out, and preach the gofpel to every creature, were 
men of religion. They could teftify, ^' Lord, we have 
forfaken all and followed thee/' 



6 ORDINATION SERMOlsI. 

Peter, when entruded, by the great head of the 
church, with the fheep and lambs of the flock, could 
declare before him who knew his heart, " Lord, thou 
knowefl all things, thou knowefl: that I love thee." 

John the evangelift, was that beloved difciple who 
leaned on Jefus' bofom ; and whofe delightful theme 
was, love to God and the brethren. 

Paul was raifed up to fpread the gofpel among the 
gentiles, and to eflablifn and build up the churches 
of our Lord. But he could not preach till he was 
bom again. From hating and perfecuting, he was 
brought to love the caufe of Chrifl ; and being thus 
qualified, was fent forth a meffenger of the Lord of 
hofts. 

Many others might be mentioned ; but thefe are fuf^ 
ficient to fhow that God hath chofen men of religion 
to be his melTengers to fmners. And is not this rea- 
fonable, and what may be expeded in fimilar cafes ? 
For the fake of illuftration, let an inftance be flated, 
that is in fome degree fimilar. The people of a nation 
revolt from their rightful fovereign, and fall from obe- 
dience and happinefs, into fm and mifery. He en- 
ters into a treaty with them, and fends melTengers to 
effect a reconciliation. In this cafe, will he not fend 
meffengers, who are friendly to him, who efpoufe his 
caufe, who regard the dignity of his laws, who have a 
love for the rebellious fubjeQs, and wifh them to return 
and be happy ? Will he not choofe them from the re- 
bellious fubjects, that they may enter feelingly into the 
horror of their condition, and perfuade them to obe- 
dience ? Will he choofe an enemy to himfelf, one 
whofe heart is fully in the rebellion, and is^urging the 
rebels to perfifl ? Will he not fend a m.effenger, who 
will feci the weight of his melTage, who will be faithful 
in his duty, and whole general conduft will correfpond 
with the defign of his miffion ? And is it reafonable 
to conclude, God will fend to fmners, thofe who have 
no religion ? Would they not be fure to thwart the 



ORDINATION SERMON. 7 

purpbfes of the meffage ? Would they not fay to fm- 
ners, God is a hard mafter, his requirements are un- 
reafonable, go on in your finful courfe, yours is the 
caufe of juftice, and you will not lofe your reward ? 

On the other hand, one with religion, being friendly 
to the character of God, will reprefent him as perfectly 
holy and lovely ; his law perfectly jufl and good ; 
his Son the chiefeft among ten thoufand and altogether 
lovely ; and the bleflings of his kingdom infinitely 
great and defireable. He will reprefent fin to be infi- 
nitely hateful, and the finner wholly to blame, and un- 
der an infinite obligation to turn to God. Having 
love to the fouls of his fellow finners, he will faithfully 
lay open to them their condition, and urge them to re- 
pent, and flee from the wrath to come. Having been 
under the power of fin, and experienced deliverance, 
having tafled that the Lord is gracious, he will be able 
to defcribe -the awful ftupidity and blindnefs of the fin- 
ner, and to trace all the workings of fin in the foul. 
He will know what balm to apply to the wounded in 
fpirit. He will know where to dire6t the finner, who 
feels himfelf condemned, and enquires " What he 
fhall do to be faved.'' He can defcribe the evidences 
and happinefs of the new birth ; will know how to 
caution and inflru61: the new fubjedls of grace ; and 
to encourage and animate the believer, in his way to 
heaven. Having experienced the temptations of the 
adverfary, he will be able to lay open all his hiding 
places, and expofe his delufions. Loving the caufe 
and intereft of his Mafler, his deportment will favour 
of godlinefs, and his life enforce his precept. Such 
an one, we may fuppofe, to be well calculated to an- 
fwer the defign of the meffage, and fuch an one, as 
God would fend. 

One who has not been born again, and experienced 
religion in his heart, cannot be expeded to attend to 
the duties of his melfage ; will live a carelefs, indolent, 
diffipated life 5 will leave the flock to fcatter ; will 
bolfler up the impenitent j will encourage the vicious ; 



8 ORDINATION SERMON. 

and being a blind leader of the blind, will lead thera 
to deftruclion. We fliould condemn the perfon who 
would attempt to guide us through a wildernefs, and 
was wholly ignorant of the way. And can we exped 
God will fend thofe who have no experience in reli- 
gion, to guide his people, through the wildernefs of 
life, to his heavenly kingdom ? 

2. Meflengers of God are men of fcience. 

The religion of the heart, is infeparably conneded 
with the light of the underftanding. How can we be- 
lieve in, and embrace that, of which we have no 
knowledge ? One cannot be a ChriHian without fome 
fpeculative knowledge. But a meffenger of God mud 
not only have that common light in the underftanding 
which is neceflary to faith ; but muft be acquainted 
with fcience in general. It is well known this idea is 
in oppofition to a portion of mankind, who believe in 
the immediate infpiration of God's meifengers ; and 
that they muft depend, on the efFufions of the moment, 
for fomething to preach. The defign of fuch, ap- 
pears to be, not to enlighten the underftanding, but to 
enflame the paflions ; And their religion appears to 
be an overheated and ungoverned zeal, rather than 
that which is pure, peaceable, gentle, eafy to be en- 
treated, and is always according to knowledge. 

Religion, alone, will not qualify a perfon to be a 
meflenger of God. Neither will fcience. But, thefe 
united, form a charader, eifentially qualified for this 
important office. 

This circumftance, that they are meflengers of the 
Lord of hofts, is fufficient to fliow the neceffity of 
their being men of knowledge. A meflage from fo 
dignified and exalted a being, muft be fomething great 
and interefting ; and muft require a perfon of con- 
fiderable knowledge, at leaft, to be the bearer of it to 
men. If one court fend to another, on important 
national bufmefs, the circumftance, that it is a na- 
tional and important matter, fuggefts the neceflity of 



ORDINATION SERMON. ^ 

fending a perfon, well Ikilled in national aiFairs. Ac- 
'cordingly, the meflage of the Lord of hoils, is not to 
be committed to ignorant men. 

Religion is a great and fublime fubjed. Its ne- 
cellity and influence, run into the innumerable fitua- 
tions and adions of life. Much knowledge is necef- 
fary to trace out, apply, and enforce it. 

The fcriptures, which are the credentials of the mef- 
fengers of God, are fublime and intricate. They are 
as eternal and incomprehenfible, as Jehovah himfelf. 
They furnifh themes for the fearch of Angels, themes 
which they defire to look into, and which will defy the 
eternal fearch of the faints. What reafon, therefore, 
is there, in God's fending meflengers, with the fcrip- 
tures in their hands, who are ignorant ? Certainly 
they will not be able, in any degree, to teach, explain, 
and enforce them. Such are the changes of lan- 
guage ; the various conftrudlions that may be put on 
the fame expreffions ; the errors that may creep in, in 
the tranllation of the fcriptures from one language to 
another ; fo different were the oriental habits and 
practices, from thofe of the prefent day ; that it is 
necelTary, one, who comes with the meffage of God 
to men, ihouid have literary attainments. 

Befides, there is no order of men who meet fuch 
general oppofition from Unners, as the meflengers of 
God ; and there are no fubjefts, fo completely at va- 
riance with the natural feelings of the heart, and to 
which, fmners make fuch violent oppofition, as the 
fubje6i:s of religion. This oppofition is not confined 
to the more ignorant, but fpreads through all clalfes of 
linners. Men of fcience and influence, inlifl in the 
caufe, and employ all their fophiftry and powers of ar- 
gument, againfl the caufe, which God's meiTengers 
efpoufe. Is it not neceffary that they have knowledge 
enough to meet this general oppofition ? If a meffen-' 
ger of God be ignorant, the very attempt he makes to 
obey his mafler, in ilrengthening and building up his 



j-o ORDINATION SERMON. 

caufe, will weaken and pull it down. His ignordnc^ 
will fink the refpedtability of the caufe, and eflablifti the 
oppofer. The infidel will claim the victory, and exult. 

As the Apbftle faid there would be, fo there are 
'^ ungodly men, who turn the grace of God into lafcivi- 
oufnefs, and deny the only Lord God, and our Lord 
Jefus Chrift, who are murmurers, complainers, walking 
after their own lufls, their mouths fpeaking great fwel- 
ling words.'* It is neceflary the meifengers of God 
be able to meet them, and refute, and put to filence 
their calumnies and objections. 

Truth, to be fure, will fight its own way ; but it will 
do it through the inftrumentality of means. To this 
end, the meflengers of truth, muft be able to fet it 
forth in its true drefs, in all its native and celeflial 
beauty. A ftatue of perfect fymmetry and beauty, 
being daubed by an unikilful painter, will flrike the 
eye with difguft. 

It is true, our Lord chofe illiterate men to be his iin- 
rhediate followers, and to preach his gofpel. The par- 
ticular flate of his caufe then required it. It then 
needed, more efpecially, the fupport of a conflant mira- 
cle. The more feeble the means were, the more evi- 
dent it was that Chrift, and his religion were divine. 
And thofe who followed him, not having the can- 
on of fcriptu re complete for their guide, were divinely 
infpired, and, therefore, did not need the aids of fci- 
ence, as his meffengers have, in later ages. We find, 
foon after our Lord had eftablifhed his religion, that he 
began to addrefs it to the underftandings of men. And 
•when he was about to fpread it, Paul, who was edu- 
cated at the feet of Gamaliel, and a perfon of irrefifti- 
ble argument, and ApoUos, fkilled in the art of perfua- 
fion, were raifed up to do it. And though their 
preaching was not with " enticing words of man's wif- 
dom, but in demonftration of the fpirit and in power ;" 
yet it was always learned, confiftent, and imprefiive- 

The meffengers of God fhould be capable of ftudy- 
ing into, and inveftigating fubjects. They fhould be 



ORDINATION SERMON. ti 

fcribes inftrudted into the things of the divine kingdom, 
and able to bring from their treafure things new and 
old. Said Paul to Timothy, "Study to Ihow thyfelf 
approved unto God, a workman that jieedeth not to 
be afhamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 

II. It is propofed to fliow God's defign in fending 
liis meffengers. 

He fends them to enlighten the minds of mankind by 
the fcriptures. Though the works of nature reveal 
God and his perfeftions, mankind are fo depraved 
that they would never, from them, learn his true charac- 
ter. And if they would, they could difcoverno en- 
couragement to look to him, and no hope that he would 
liave mercy on them, and fave them. The fcriptures, 
therefore, are a neceflary light to mankind. And God 
iendeth his meifengers, with the . fcriptures in their 
-hands, to addrefs them to the minds of men. 

They are to teach, from the fcriptures, the charac- 
ter which God has given of himfelf; the nature and 
requirements of his law; the loll (late of fmners ; and 
the way of falvation through Chrifl. They are to def- 
cribe the thunders of mount Sinai, and the love and 
mercy of mount Zion. They are to teach the charac- 
ter of the Redeemer ; what he requires of fmners ; 
and how his obedience and death will avail for the be- 
liever. They are to teach thepradical duties of godli- 
nefs. They are to explain and enforce fcripture; to 
fearch into fcripture prophecy ; and unfold future 
things. By the help of fcripture, they are to let down 
the curtain, between time and eternity ; to lead the 
mind to the judgment day ; to open the door of hea- 
ven, and fhow the joys of the righteous; and to lead 
the mind to contemplate on the miferies of the damned. 
And they are to prefent every motive to the mind, cal- 
r dilated to lead fmners into all their duty. 

God fends them alfo to be means of calling in his 
eled. 

All his children were chofen in Chrift, before the 



J a ORDINATION SERMON. 

foundation of the world. He had a great and benevo- 
lent plan from everlafling. He knew and determined, 
upon all whom he defigned to fave. He gave them to 
Chrift, in the everlafling covenant of redemption. In 
time, he executes his eternal purpofes. He ufes all the 
means neceffary to bring in his chofen people. He 
fends his meifengers, to enlighten their minds, and pre- 
pare the way for him to operate on their hearts, by his 
fpirit, and prepare for the Redeemer, a holy bride, to 
be prefented, by him, to the Father. His meffengers 
cannot regenerate, or fave one foul. They can plant 
and water, but God giveth the increafe. They are 
earthen veiTels, that the excellency of the power may 
be of God. But God ufeth them as means ; and by 
the foolilhnefs of their preaching, he faveth them that 
believe. In this way, he hath always called in his peo- 
ple ; and in this way, he will call them in, from all kin- 
dreds, tongues, and nations. He will raife up, and 
fend meifengers into heathen and idolatrous nations, 
and by their means, he will bring all among them, 
whom he means to fave, to a faving knowledge of the 
truth. If he have a foul to fave, in any part of all his 
dominions, he will raife up meffengers, to be the inflru- 
ments, of bringing that foul into his kingdom. " How 
fliall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ; 
and how fhall they hear v\7ithout a preacher ; and how 
ihall they preach, except they'befent ?" In this way 
he will bring on the happy day promifed in his word. 
And when we hear of his meffengers going forth, to 
preach the gofpel, in uncivilized parts of the earth ; 
and hear of the converfion of thofe, raifed but a grade 
above the brute creation ; when we hear that Ethiopia 
is flretching out her hands unto God ; when we learn 
that the praifes of Emmanuel are fung by thofe who have 
wcrfhipped devils ; and that the thrones of ignorance 
and idolatry, are falling before the influence of the gof- 
pel ; may we not hope that this happy day is near ? 
May we not lift up our heads and fnig, " For his re- 
demption draweth nigh." 



ORDINATION SERMON. 13 

He fends them alfo to vindicate his character, in his 
treatment of the wicked. It is not his fole defign, by 
them, to call in his elect. The fcriptures teach that 
there will be many who will not believe, and be faved. 
Said Ifaiah, " Lord, who hath believed our report ?" 
And God hath a fpecial defign in giving his golpel, and 
fending his meifengers to them. They -fay, God is 
partial ; his ways are unequal ; he hath faved others, 
and left us to perifh. But, by fending his meifengers 
to labor as much with them, as with believers, he 
Ihows that they cannot, reafonably, charge partiality on 
him. By this, he makes it appear, that he treats them 
fairly and juftly. It appears, that they have the of- 
fers of, eternal Hfe, and will not accept, and therefore 
the blame Hes at their own doors. By this, alfo. their 
minds become enlightened, their confciences condemn 
therii, and they appear guilty before God. 

God is preparing all things for the folemn day of ac- 
count, when he will fet his character, before all worlds, 
in the cleareil light. There are many things in his 
providence, the defign of which, we cannot difcover. 
But all thefe will be cleared up ; and it v/ill appear, 
that, " Though clouds and darknefs, have been round 
about him, righteoufnefs and judgment, have been the 
habitation of his throne.'^ And by fending his meifen- 
gers, he will make it appear juft, and his character ap- 
pear amiable, when he doometh the wicked to endlefs 
deftrudion. All the heavenly hofts will iliout, " Alle- 
luia ! juft and true are thy ways, thou king of faints ;" 
not becaufe they will rejoice in the mifery of their fel- 
low creatures ; but becaufe they will fee God's charac- 
ter completely vindicated, and his glory difplayed in 
their punifhment. The preaching of the gofpel never 
leaves mankind, in the ftate, in which it finds them. 
It proves, either a " Savour of life, unto life, or of 
death, unto death.'* Unlefs it be a means of their be- 
coming reconciled to the truth, it hardens them infm, 
makes them fm againft greater light, and will make 
their condemnation appear juft, and God infinitely glo- 
rious in it. 



24 ORDINATION SERMON. 

III. It is propofed to fhow, how they are bound to 
treat thofc to whom he fends them. 

They muft treat them with folemnity, always exhibit- 
ing proof that they feel the weight of their melTage. 
He who tranfa£ls the great bufmefs of his Maker, who 
comes the mefTenger of, God to men, and treats the 
melTage with levity, betrays the bafe hypocrify of his 
heart, and wounds to the very vitals the caufe he pre- 
tends to embrace. That minifler, whofe general de- 
portment is airy and inconfliant, and who exerts himfelf 
to excite a fmile in his hearers, has little fenfe of the 
worth of fouls, the importance of the gofpel miniftry^ 
and his great account. 

■*' He that negociates between God and man, 

^ As God's ambassador, the grand concerns 

*' Of judgment and of raerc}-, should beware 

" Of lightness in his speech. 'Tis pitiful 

*' To court a grin, when you should woo a soul, 

'" To break a jest, when pity would inspire 

" Pathetic exhortation ; and to address 

*' The skittish fancy with facetious tales, 

'^ Wheri sent with God's commission to the heart." 

Who, feeling himfelf in the prefence of Jehovah, 
with a multitude of depraved, immortal, and accounta- 
ble beings, haftening to eternity, and in perifhing need 
of the bread of life, will wafle their precious time in 
boyifh airs, and unprofitable witticifms ? Who, real- 
izing thefe, will not at all times, appear with that 
folemnity becoming his meffage ? I would not be con- 
fidered as enjoining fournefs, on a minifler of the gof- 
pel ; but that (leady, rational, folemn deportment, 
which the caufe requires. 

They are bound to treat them with plainnefs. Truth 
appears bed in its plain, fimple drefs. One may as 
well fpealc in an unknown tongue, as addrefs his au- 
dience in language above their comprehenfion. The 
mofl eloquent and profitable preaching, is the mofl 
plain. Such was the preaching of Paul, and fuch 
ihould be the preaching of all Chrid's mefTengers. I 
would not condemn an accurate and elegant flyle : 



ORDINATION SERMON. 15 

but thofe miftake who think elegance of ftyle confifts^ 
in mere fonorous exprellions. The cafe of the carelefs 
finner requires plainnefs. The minifler mufl come 
down to his own level, and talk with him. When 
Paul preached before Felix, he treated the plain fub- 
je£ts of righteoufnefs, temperance, and judgment to 
come ; and under this preaching, Felix trembled,. 
The awakened fmner requires plainnefs. If truth be 
drelfed in doubtful language, he may think he loves 
it, when, if it were llript of difguife, it would appear 
perfedly hateful to him. We find that it is not aii 
overitrained, fulfome preaching, that is blefled to the 
converfion of fmners, but the plain truth. This h 
what the children of God love. They need the fm- 
cere milk of the word that they may grow thereby. 

They are bound to preach the dodlrines of Chrifl, 
in a plain, diftinguifhing manner. A meffenger, 
whom Chriit fends to mankind, muft declare his mef- 
fage, God commanded Jonah, " Preach unto it the 
preaching that I bid thee." Ard Paul faid, "Fori 
have determined not to know any thing among you, 
fave Jefus Chrift and him crucified." " But though 
we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gof- 
pel unto you, than that which we have preached unto 
you, let him be accurfed. A melTenger of a king to a 
foreign court, mufl attend to the king's directions, he 
muft learn and declare his will. And meflengers of 
God mufl attend to the fcriptures, and preach the 
doctrines of Chrift. 

They muft not preach to their people mere moral 
declamation ; but muft enter into the effential and fun- 
damental dodrines of the gofpel. They are fent to 
feed the flock with the truth, and will be very unfaith- 
ful to their truft if they prefent them with empty dec- 
lamation ; or if they preach themfelves, and not Jefus 
the Lord. 

They muft preach all the truth. They are under a 
great temptation, to withhold certain doctrines^ which 



1(5 ORDINATION SERMON. 

are efpecially obnoxious to fmners. They have all the 
feelings of the depraved heart againft them. But 
their meflage is to oppofe the natural feelings of man. 
And they muft preach the truth whether fmners will 
hear, or forbear. The doctrines of divine decrees 
and election, the total depravity of the heart, the ne- 
cefTity of regeneration by the divine fpirit, man's abfo- 
lute dependence, and falvation by the fovereign mercy 
of God, are the fundamental dodrines of Chriftianity, 
to which no impenitent fmneris reconciled, and which 
miniflers mufi: preach, if they are faithful to their 
Lord. — They muft not preach doftrines by halves, or 
in a flighty, difconneded manner. They muft not 
leave a docirine till they have been to the bottom, and 
clearly diftinguiftied it from error, and fhowed its con- 
ne6:ion in the great fyftem of truths. The truths of 
our Lord, when treated in a plain, though diftinguifti- 
ing manner, will appear like his own feamlefs gar- 
ment ; and thofe who mean to be governed by fcrip- 
ture, and rational argument, muft be convinced. But 
when preached in a crude, fuperficial manner, they 
will be fure to offend, and defeat their own end. 

Minifters are bound not to daub with untempered 
mortar ; but to apply the very advice and direction of 
our Lord, They are to deal with felf-righteous fmners, 
who think they are going faft to heaven, on their own 
legs. They muft oppofe them in this way, and ftiow 
them that every ftep they take in an unregenerate ftate, 
is fmking them deeper in fm. If they encourage fm- 
ners with the idea, that their unregenerate exertions are 
what God requires of them, and for which he will 
meet and fave them, and do not dired them to im- 
mediate faith and repentance, they do not preach the 
doctrines of Chrift and his apoftles ; they are unfaith- 
ful meifengers ; they are means of fettling fmners 
down on a falfe hope ; thj^ey will preach fmners to de- 
ftrudion, and their blood will be required at their 
hands. They muft feek to pleafe Chrift, rather than 
men, and muft never cry, " Peace, peace, when there 



ORDINATION SERMON. 17 

is no peace." Sinners may fit under fmooth preach- 
ing, in which the eflential dodrines and duties of 
Ghrift are not brought out in a clear, diftinguifliing 
manner, and feel no fpecial oppofition of heart, and no 
conviction for fin, crowd on the mind. Their fancies 
may be pleafed, but their minds will be uninformed ; 
and they will go from fuch preaching feeling perfedly 
felf-righteous and fafe. This is not that preaching 
which is food to the pious hearty It is like the dry 
huiks which the prodigal would fain have eaten. 
While it feeds the felf-righteous, it leaves the meek 
and humble to ftarve. 

They are bound to be diligent in the fervice of thofe 
to whom they are fent. Their work being great and 
arduous, requires the mbfl unweared diligence and 
induftry. A minifter of the gofpel can never want 
employment. He mufl attend on the fick, and 
adminifter fuch inftruQ:ion as their cafe fuggefts. 
He miifl attend on the dying, and give theni 
his laft admonition and advice. He mufl vifit from 
houfe to houfe, and exhort, reprove, and rebuke 
all claffes and ages of people. And if he is not en- 
gaged in thefe, his fludy is open to him. His bible is 
ready for his fearch. And if he is not a perfon of dil- 
igence and fludy, he will be an unprofitable minifler ; 
his preaching will be dry, and wanting in matter ; his 
people will grow remifs, and forfake the worfhip of the 
fanduary ; his flock will fcatter, and ravenous wolves 
will enter in, and while he is afleep on his pofl, will 
carry off the fheep and the lambs. 

They are bound to treat them with perfeverance. 
They have many things calculated^ to difcourage them. 
Befide the difcouragements from their own wicked 
hearts, and the temptations and fuggeflions of the ad- 
verfary, they will meet oppofition from men. Sinners 
will not hear and obey the gofpel which they preach. 
They may preach all their days and not a foul be con^ 
verted. Saints will fall afleep. Infidels will grow 
bold. And they will have enough to difcouj-age the 
ftoutefl heart. Their work is not fo fmw>th and eafy 



1 8 ORDINATION SERMON. 

as many imagine. It is a work of felf-denial, in whicb 
the crofs muft be taken up. The minifterial charac- 
ter is aflailed, not only by the ignorant, but by thofe 
that claim to be wife. But they mufl perfevere. They 
mud endure hardfhip hke a good foldier of Jefus Chrift. 
He is but a poor foldier that fhrinks back in the day of 
battle. And he is unworthy the name of a meffenger 
of the Lord of hods, who will fee his mafler's caufe 
trampled under unhallowed feet, and not poliih his 
arms, and ftep forth, undauntedly, to meet the foe. 
*^ Lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the 
world," is the promife of the great head of the church. 
*' Ye fhall be hated of all men for my name's fake ; 
but he that end ureth unto the end, fhall be faved." 
Paul charged Timothy, " Yea and all that live godly 
in Chrift Jefus fhall fufFer perfecution. But evil 
men and feducers fhall wax \vorfe -and worfe, deceiv- 
ing aind being deceived. But continue thou in the 
things which thou haft learned.'' 

This difcourfe will be clofed with fome addreffes, 
which the laws of cuftom enjoin on me on this occafion. 

In the firft place, I addrefs the paftor eled. Dear 
friend and brother. — We are fmners, in common with 
our fellow men, and by nature, in the fame awful con- 
dition with them. How wonderful is it that God hon- 
oreth us with his meffage to men ! You have now 
arrived to a very folemn period in your life. None, 
perhaps, will be more folemn and interefting, except 
the day of your death, and appearance before your 
judge. You are foon to have the charge of this flock. 
You are to come to this people as the meffenger of 
God, to declare to them his will, and to plead his 
caufe before them. This people's eyes will be fixed on 
you. In ficknefs and danger, they will call on you 
for help ; when dying, will call on you to pray over 
them ; when in afflidion, will expe6l you to adminif- 
ter the confolations of religion ; when opprefled with 
the weight of fin will call on you to know what they 
muft do. Thefe youth will hang on your lips, and 
look to you as a guide. Thefe aged people will expert 



ORDINATION SERMON. ' tp 

you to attend them in their lad moments. And thefe 
Chriftians, will look to you to break to them the bread 
of life, and lead them in the right way. The confid- 
eration, that thefe immortal fouls, are to be committed 
to your care, and that the difcharge of your duty, will, 
materially and eternally, effed them, is enough to fill 
you with the moft folemn refieftions. Are you fufii- 
cient for thefe things ? In yourfelf you are not. But 
from my acquaintance with you, from your early days, 
and my knowledge of your religious and literary qual- 
ifications, I believe God has been with you, and that 
by his grace, you are qualified for this duty. You 
have no qualification you did not receive. And you 
cannot fuflain the charader of a minifler, unlefs God 
is with you. 

- Your eye hath long been on this day. It has come.; 
the folemn moment has arrived ; and the confequences 
will be eternal,- Ever fmce you gave yourfelf to God, 
by a public profeflion of his religion, you have looked 
forward to the time, Vv^hen you fliould be inveiled with 
the authority of his meifenger, and be fet as a watch- 
man in Zion. As you did then, now, renev/edly, give 
away foul and body, to him. In the prefence of all 
the heavenly hbfts, who are gathering around to be- 
hold thefe Iblemnities, and in the prefence of this af- 
fembly, give yourfelf up to the fervice of God, among 
this people. Watch over them as one that muft give 
account. In your treatment of them be folemn ; be 
plain; preach all the truth.; fow not pillows under 
arm holes. Perfevere in your duty. V/alk uprightly, 
godlily, and carefully. Be prayerful. In all the trials 
and difficulties of your oflice, feek unto God. Nev- 
er act without laying your cafe before him. You will 
find the clofet the beil place for advice and enlarge- 
ment. Unlefs you are converfant with God in fecret 
prayer, you will become lifelefs in his fervice, and will 
'be a. dull, unprofitable minifler. Be induflrious and 
.{ludious ; and let your profiting appear. 

You follow a worthy meifenger of our Lord. Tho' 



ao ORDINATION SERMON. 

Dodor Backyis be dead, his fame lives in all the churchy 
es. This people have been accuftomed to able in- 
ftrudion from him. There is the more need, there^ 
fore, of your diligent application. Be emulous of his 
virtues. Live as he lived, and we fhall think you live 
for God. Die as he died, and we Ihall hope you will 
partake in his reft, 

Above all things, take care of your own foul, left 
when you have preached to others, you yourfelf ftiould 
te a caftaway. Time is on the wing, and foon will 
bring you to meet your flock at the bar of God. And 
how awful will it be, to go with the words of peace on 
your lips, to hear the fentence, " I know thee not, de^ 
part from me thou worker of iniquity !'' 

You are fent as a meffenger in an age of infidelity. 
But be not diftieartened, nor difmayed. If God is 
your help, fear not what men can do. Let them per- 
fecute ; let them ridicule and defame. Never let their ar- 
rows hit you. While they opprefs, our hearts can feel ; 
pur prayers can afcend ; our God will be near to help 
us. Take encouragement from the words of Chrift, 
" He that endureth unto the end ftiall be faved.'* 

Though it be an age of infidelity, it is an age in 
which God is doing wonders ; in which he is calling 
in his people. And it is an honor, and a happinefs, to 
work with him in this harveft. 

If you expe£t eafe, and riches, and affluence from 
the work of the miniftry, be alTured you misjudge. On 
your entrance on this work, we promife you no hours 
of fmful indulgence, no plaudits from the world, no 
heaps of filver or gold. But we promife you, if you 
are faithful, that peace of conscience, that joy in be- 
lieving, that approbation of God, which is worth every 
thing elfe. 

Enter upon this work with love to God, and to the 
fouls of men ; and be faithful, O William, be faithful 
unto death, and you fliall have a crown of life. 



ORDINATION SERMON. ax 

To the Church and Congregation in Somers I -will 
addrefs a few v/ords. 

You have reafon to admire the wonderful and kind 
providence of God with you. You have had a fuc- 
ceflion of worthy minifters. Very lately you were call- 
ed to follow one, on whom your afFeftions w^ere placed, 
to the filent tomb. Under this frown, your hearts 
were ready to defpond. But God was preparing this 
youth, to fill the place of your deceafed Paftor. While 
he was pining under the difeafe, which ended in his 
death, and God was calling him home, he was pre- 
paring this youth, in the knowledge of religion and 
fcience, to take the charge of you. You fee that God 
can do better for you, than you can for yourfelves ; 
and that his chaftifement, in this inftance, was an intro- 
dudion to his wonderful goodnefs towards you. 

The tranfadions of this day are, efpecially, interefl:^ 
ing to you. This meffenger, and the gofpel he will 
preach, will be means of preparing you for heaven, 
or for hell. It is a folemn and interefting thing, to 
receive a meffenger of God, and fet under his miniftry. 
Great will be your obligations, and great will be your 
account. 

As it is his duty to be faithful to you, fo it is yours, 
to be faithful to him. And we cannot confent to leave 
him with you, unlefs you will promife to do this. Be 
tender of his reputation. Be conftant attendants on 
his public adminiftratioiis. Pray to God for him. 
Follow the diredions he gives you from the fcriptures. 
If you do not obey ; if you do not pray for him ; if you 
do not unite with him, and help hold up his hands, his 
heart will fmk. Let him not have occafion to fay, 
" All the day long, I have ftretched out my hands unto 
a difobedient and gainfaying people." Let him not 
have the difcouragement of preaching to a people as 
unfeeling as ft ones, or to the empty feats and naked 
walls. 

He is but a youth, and an eaithen veffei. Overlook 



22 ORDINATION SERMON. 

his failings. Never mifconftrue his preaching ; nor 
fpend your time in circulating your own conftrudions 
an what he fays. Always go and talk with him firft. 

Many glory in circulating reports about minifters. 
They know that they profefs to return good for evil, 
and therefore dare to fay that of them, which they 
would not of others. But how ungenerous and daf- 
tardly is fuch conduct ! Let it never be faid that one 
of this people ever degrades himfelf in this way. 

He is bound to preach to you the dodrines of Chrift. 
Never complain if he preaches the truth, though it 
clafh with your own feelings, and condemn you. 

As he will minifter to you in fpiritual, you muft 
minifter to him in temporal things. " He that labor- 
€th by the altar, fhall live by the altar. The laborer 
is worthy of his hire." It is a difgrace to any people to 
let their minifter ftarve, or compel him to feek ^ 
living otherways than by the gofpel. We hope, breth- 
ren, better things of you. Vifit him often. Know his 
wants, and relieve them. May you live with him in 
union and peace, and hear and obey the gofpel, that 
your fouls may be happy forever. 

Men and brethren, of this afiembly — Our Fathers 
have left us good examples. The obfervance of the 
fabbath, the pTiblic worfhip of the fanduary, the goo4 
treatment of minifters, are practices which they have 
entailed to us ; and which are the firft in promoting 
our happinefs, here and hereafter. And while many 
would difturb their aflies, and heap anathemas on their 
fame, we cannot behold, but with joy, a people, ex- 
erting themielves, tliis day, to imitate them. 

We are raifed in point of privilege even up to 
heaven. While thoufands of our fellow men are per- 
iftiing for lack of vifion, we have the offers of falva- 
tion, through a crucified Lord. If we do not improve 
this, they will come from the eaft, and from the weft, 
and from the north^ and from the fouth, and will fit 



ORDINATldN SERMON. 23 

down with Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob, in the king- 
dom of God, and we fhall be thrufl out. Our time is 
fliort. A folemn day of account is at hand. Now is 
the accepted time. Flee to the flrong hold, while you 
are prifoners of hope. , And though we may never fee 
one another's faces, and meet to worfhip God, again, in 
this life, may we be found watching at laft, and unite 
in more fublime worfhip, in the kingdom of heaven ! 



THE CHARGE, 

BY JOHN WILLARD, D.D. 

Pastor of the first Church in Stafford. 



DEAR BROTHER, 

W HE RE AS you are, by Divine Providencd^ 
called to the work of the gofpel miniftry, and to the 
office of a paftor in the particular church of Chrift 
that ufually aflembles in this place ; having prayed 
over you in the name of the Lord, commended you 
to his grace, and feparated you to his fpecial fervice in 
the work of the miniftry, we do^ in this public, and 
folemn manner, and in his name, declare you an au- 
thorized minifter of the gofpel : This flock of the Lord 
in particular is committed to your paftoral care. 

We charge you before God, and the Lord Jefus 
Chrift, who fhall judge the quick, and the dead, at 
his appearing, and kingdom, take heed to the miniftry 
you have received in the Lord that you fulfil it ; and in 
all things approve yourfelf as a minifter of God. 

Feed the flock of God ; taking the overfight there- 
of, not by conftraint, but willingly ; not for filthy 
lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither as being a Lord 
over God's heritage j but being an enfample to the 
flock. 

'Preach the word. Be inftant in feafon, and out of 
feafon. Keep back nothing that may be profitable to 
your hearers ; but foolifli, and unlearned queftions 
avoid. 

Shun not to declare the whole counfel of God, who- 
ever may be difpleafed : In this^ as well as in other ref- 
pects, be pure from the blood of all men. 

D 



26 THE CHARGE. 

Be not thou as many, who corrupt the word of 
God ; but as of fincerity, as of God, in the fight of 
God, under a deep fenfe of his prefence and infpeclion, 
fpeak thou in Chrifl : Not handling the word of God 
deceitfully ; but by manifeflation of the truth, com- 
mending yourfelf to every man's confcience in the fight 
of God. As you are allowed of God to be put in trufl 
with the gofpel, even fo fpeak, iiot as pleaftng men^ 
but God^ who trieth our hearts ; neither, at any time, 
ufe flattering words, nor a cloak of covetoufnefs ; nor 
of men feek thou glory. Preach not yourfelf, but 
Chrift Jefus the Lord. 

In do6lrine fhow uncorruptnefs, gravity, fincerity, 
found fpeech, that cannot be condemned, that he, 
who is of a contrary part, may be afhamed, having no 
evil thing to fay of you. 

Holdfaji the faithful word, as you have been taught, 
that you may be able, by found dodtrine, both to ex- 
hort, and convince the gainfayers. 

Give yourfelf continually to prayer, and to the minif- 
try of the word. 

Study to fhow yourfelf approved unto God, a work- 
man that needeth not to be afhamed, rightly dividing 
the word of truth. 

Take heed to all the jlock over which the Holy 
Ghofl has made you an overfeer, to feed the Church 
of God, which he has purchafed with his own blood. 
Feed Chrifl's fheep, and feed his lambs : You will 
adapt your inftruclions to the capacities, and improve- 
ments of your hearers ; agreeable to the familiar, but 
expreffive language of fcripture, you will feed fome 
with milk, others with ftrong meat ; and giv-e to every 
one his portion in due feafon. 

Exhort, and charge all, that they would walk wor- 
thy of God, who has called them into his kingdom, 
and glory. This is a faithful faying, and thefe things^ 
you will affirm conftantly, that they, who have believ- 



THE CHARGE. ^7 

Ed in God, fhould be careful to maintain good works-: 
Thefe things are good, and profitable unto men. 

Reprove, rebuke, exhort both in public, and pri- 
vate with all long-fuffering, and dodrine : But ever 
remember, the fervant of the Lord muft not ftrive — 
muft not ufeneedlefs afperity of fpeeeh ; but be gen- 
tle unto all men ; apt to teg,ch ; patient ; in meek- 
nefs inftruding thofe, that oppofe themfelves ; if per- 
adventure God will give them repentance to the ac= 
knowledgment of the truth. 

Adminifter Baptifm^ and the LorcTs Supper to thofe, 
that appear fit fubjeds, according to the inftitutionof 
Jefus Chrift. Never let up, or confent to the fetting 
up uninflituted terms of Chriftian communion, which 
have proved fo fatal to Chriftian love, and unity : But 
adhere ftridlly to divine inftitution. 

Faithfully fupport that difcipline^ which Ghrift has 
appointed in his church. The charge to you is, rule 
with diligence. " You will do nothing herein through 
partiality, or prejudice, or from the undue fear of man, 
which bringeth a fnare." In the adminiftration of 
difcipline you wall ever make a difference between the 
holy, and profane ; between penitent, and incorrigible 
offenders. In this, as well as in every other branch of 
paftoral duty, keep your eye upon the law of Jefus 
Ghrift : And while you pay fuch deference to the fen- 
timents, and writings of great, and good men, as care- 
fully to attend to what they fay upon this fubjedt ; yet 
you wdll ever make the Bible your platform ; ufmg the 
beft helps in your power to underftand its facred con- 
tents upon this, as well as every other head. 

Take heed to yourfelf. Give no offence. Lay no 
ftumbling-block in any thing, before any perfon, that 
the miniftry be not blamed. On the contrary in all 
things fhow yourfelf a pattern of good works. Be 
thou an example of the believers in word, in converfa- 
tion, in charity, in fpirit, in faith, in purity. Follow 
after godlinefs, righteoufnefs^ faith^ love, patience, 
meeknefs. 



as THE CHARGE. 

Behave yourfelf holily, juftjy, and unblameably 
among them that believe: And walk in wifdom to- 
wards them, that are without^ that God, in all things, 
may be glorified through Jefus Chrift. 

Watch thou in all things. Endure afflictions with 
Chriftian fortitude and refignation. 

Study, as far as you can, with a good confcience, to 
pleafe all men, in all things, not feeking your own profit, 
but the profit of many, that they may be faved : But 
never facrifice any truth of the gofpel, nor any duty 
whatfoever to the pleafing of men : For whofoever, 
by fuch compliances, feeks to pleafe men, is not the 
fervant of Jefus Chrift. 

And through the whole of your Chriftian, and min- 
ifterial courfe, let your light fo fliine before men, that 
Others, feeing your good works may glorify your father, 
who is in heaven. 

As, in the providence of God, you may be called to 
aflift in fetting others apart to the work of the miniftry, 
the charge to you is, lay hands fuddenly on no man 5 
neither be partaker of other men's fins : But com- 
mit the paftoral care of churches to faithful men, who 
ihall be able to teach others alfo. 

That you may, with hopeful profpe6t of fuccefs, pur- 
fue the various duties of your ftation, you will make it 
your endeavour, in the animated, and expreffive lan- 
guage of our divine Saviour, to be wife as a ferpent, as 
well as harmlefs as a dove. A moft happy, and' 
profitable union ! The word of God in general^ but 
efpecially the hi/lory of Jefus^ will furnifh you with 
many admirable rules of Chriftian, and minifterial pru- 
dence. 

As you advance in life, that you may rife in your 
qualifications for the various duties of your calling, 
give attendance to reading. Never negle£l the gift 
that is in you. Meditate upon thefe things ; give 
yourfelf wholly to them, that your profiting may ap- 
pear unto all, and in all things. 



THE RIGHT-HAND 29 

When you refletl upon the various duties of the 
minifterial office, and the difficulties attending them, you 
may, with great propriety, adopt the words of the apof- 
tle. Who is fufficientfor thefe things P The charge to 
you then is, call in the help of almighty grace by fer- 
vent prayer, under an heart-felt fenfe, that you are not 
fufficient of yourfelf to think any thing as of yourfelf, 
but your fufficiency is of God, who mufl make you 
an able, and faithful minifter of the new teftament, if 
you are fo happy, as juftly to fupport this charader. 
Be conftant then, and fervent in prayer for diredion 
and affiflance in your work, and for a bleffing upon 
your minifterial labors. Humbly, and devoutly ac- 
knowlege the power of divine grace in every inftance 
of fuccefs. Thus did the great, but humble apoftle of 
the gentiles, / have planted, Af olios watered, but God 
gave the increafe. 

Obferve this charge ; fo fhalt thou be a good min- 
ifter of Jefus Chrift ; for in doing this, thou fhalt both 
fave thyfelf, and them that hear thee. 

And having faithfully performed all paftoral duties to 
the flock, when the chief Shepherd fliall appear, thou 
ihalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 



j£sa^5 



THE RIGHT-HAND OF FELLOWSHIP, 

BY AZEL BACKUS, A. M. 

Pastor of a Church in Bethlem. 

Hi VERY one in this affembly, and everywhere 
on earth, whofe heart is warmed with divine love, re- 
joices when Zion's waftes are rebuilt, and there is prof- 
perity in the kingdom of the Redeemer. — The confe- 
cration of a youth to the prieft's office was always a 
folemn and interefting fcene. This place, people, and 



3© OF FELLOWSHIP. 

OGcaiion cannot fail to revive many fond recolIe6i:ions in 
thefpeaker which he mufl do violence to himfelf alto- 
gether to conceal. My Chriftian brethren, with 
whom I covenanted in youth, a Ihort time fmce I met 
with you in this place, and fincerely mingled my tears 
with yours, over the remains of our departed father and 
friend : And if I know my heart, I trufl I as fmcerely 
rejoice with you this day. 

The welfare of the people of Somers can never be an 
objedt uninterefting to me. I tell you no new thing 
when I fay my departed kinfman loved you, and that 
your fpiritual interefts and thofe of your children lay 
near his heart. 

For you he refufed public honors and private 
emolument, and I am a witnefs that he looked for- 
ward to the folemnities of this day with all the feelings 
of a father for his children. 

The myfterious providence of God now prefents be- 
fore you that young man who was the objeft of his I aft 
fervent fupplications at the throne of grace — and God 
grant you may realize the fruits of his dying prayers 
for his fucceffor. 

On this occafion, my young friend, many thoughts 
mufl croud into your mind, and thrill through your 
heart. You never before faw a day in which you was 
fo deeply interefled. Be alTured, fir, that we your 
brethren in the miniftry feel for you with all ten- 
dernefs. I fpeak their fentiments with thofe of their af- 
fociated meflengers from the churches, by whofe united 
direction I give you this right hand. 

This facred rite is derived from ancient and apoftolic 
ufage — and is defigned as a token of fellowfhip in the 
faith and in the miniftry. We embrace you, dear 
brother, as a companion in the kingdom and patience 
of Jefus Chrift — and as a fellow laborer in the vine- 
yard. We engage to furnifti you with all the aid 
which our counfel and influence can afford. — We afk 
and expeft the fame from you. 



THE RIGHT-HAND, &c. 31 

In our profeflion, efpecially at this day, there is very 
Httle to gratify the natural feelings of a young man. — 
We hope you have counted the coll. Our Mafter, by 
example and precept, has taught us to expe6: feif-de- 
nial, hard fervice, little worldly emolument, and much 
contradiftion of fmners. But the future reward of a 
faithful minifter is as certain as it is glorious. 

The folemn charge you have received you will bear 
on your mind, and if from love to Chrift, you have 
undertaken to feed the fheep and the lambs of his flock, 
and to preach the unfearchable riches of his grace, the 
charge of fouls will fmk deeper and deeper into your 
heart. 

It is wonderful that a finful worm of the dud fhould 
be put into the miniftry, but our fufficiency is of God> 
who alon^ can make us able minifters of the new tef- 
tament. Realize this and you will not faint under the 
trials and temptations which await you. Trufl in 
God, and your flrength will be proportioned to your 
day. You have engaged in a caufe which employs the 
Gounfels of heaven from eternity, and direds all the 
operations of time. It is for this, kingdoms rife and 
fall, and the wrath of man by the wonderful provi- 
dence of God works the greatefl glory and the greatefl 
good. However our profeffion may be hated, derided, 
flandered, and perfecuted by the enemies of God, it 
is no contemptible office to be the meffenger of the 
Lord of hoits to a revolted world. It is better to die a 
poor but honed; gofpel minifter than by dextrous 
worldly arts to have obtained the prefidential chair, or 
the throne of an emperor. " An approving God, is 
better than applauding millions." In fo glorious a 
caufe, my brother, may you not ihrinkfrom any fer- 
vices or fufferings. '' Be ftrong in the Lord and in the 
power of his might." The conflict is Ihort. The 
crown which is promifed to the faithful is incorrupti- 
ble, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. 

AMEN- 



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